Arroz Rojo Perfecto Perfect Mexican Red Rice

Recipe Introduction
Ever wondered how to make Mexican rice that tastes like the real deal? I did! Honestly, my first attempt was a sticky, bland mess.
But now? My Arroz Rojo Recipe is banging! This is the kind of Mexican Food With Rice that makes any dinner a fiesta.
Quick Hook
This Easy Mexican Recipes staple is all about flavour. We are talking the Mexican Rice with Tomato richness and that perfect fluffy texture. It is a true taste of Mexico!
Brief Overview
Mexican Rice Dish , or Arroz Rojo, is a classic side that's been around for ages. It is a taste of home for so many.
This recipe is easy. It takes about 40 minutes. It makes 6 servings. Perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering.
Main Benefits
This dish is packed with flavour. The tomatoes and broth provide essential vitamins. Serve it with your favourite Mexican Style Dinner Ideas or Authentic Mexican Side Dishes .
What makes it special? That toasted rice and flavourful broth combo. It's seriously addictive.
Now, what you'll need!
Let's Talk Ingredients & Equipment for Amazing Mexican Food With Rice
Ready to learn how to make mexican rice that's absolutely banging? It all starts with having the right bits and bobs.
Trust me, once you nail this Mexican Rice Dish , it'll become a regular in your kitchen. Let's dive in.
Main Ingredients
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Nothing fancy, just your regular cooking oil.
- Long Grain White Rice: 1 cup (200g) . Seriously, rinse it . Gets rid of extra starch. Makes it fluffy.
- White Onion: 1/2 medium (approx. 75g) , chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Finely chopped is fine too.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can (411g) , undrained .
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups (470 ml) . Makes a difference, get decent broth.
- Tomato Bouillon: 1 teaspoon (optional) . Adds a little oomph . Knorr is good.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon , or to taste.
- Ground Cumin: 1/4 teaspoon . Smells amazing, right?
- Cilantro: 1/4 cup , chopped (optional).
Quality Indicators: For the tomatoes, canned is fine! But if you're feeling fancy, use fresh. Just peel and chop about 1 1/2 cups .
For the broth, go for low sodium if you can. You can always add salt later, innit?
Seasoning Notes: Unlock that Arroz Rojo Recipe Flavour
Okay, seasoning is where the magic happens. I really think you'll agree that the cumin and the tomato bouillon together really elevates those Simple Mexican Rice Recipes
For a bit of heat, add a pinch of chili powder. Honestly, a little kick never hurt anyone. For aromatics, a bay leaf simmering in the rice can make all the difference! You can totally skip the tomato bouillon if you don't have it.
A little extra salt will do the trick.
Equipment Needed to make Mexican Style Dinner Ideas Easier
- Medium Saucepan: With a tight lid. Crucial for steaming the rice.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: You know the drill.
- Knife & Cutting Board: For chopping.
- Garlic Mincer: Makes life easier, but not essential.
Household Alternatives: No fancy garlic mincer? No worries. Just finely chop it. Don't have a lid? Use foil tightly . Just make sure it's sealed up good.
Making this Mexican Rice with Tomato should be easy. You'll find lots of Easy Mexican Recipes around, but this one is my favourite.
Enjoy your Authentic Mexican Side Dishes ! Next time you're looking for an Fluffy Mexican Rice Recipe , you already know where to go.
Cooking Method: Let's Make Cracking Mexican Rice!
Alright, amigos! Let’s dive into how to make Mexican rice that would make your taste buds dance a little salsa.
Ditch the pre-packaged stuff. It’s time for real flavour, the kind that reminds you of sun-soaked fiestas and your abuela’s kitchen.
Honestly, this isn't just a side dish; it's a flavour explosion. Let's get started!. Mexican Food With Rice is amazing to enjoy and share with family and friends.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic
First things first: get organized. You know, that whole mise en place thing. This is essential . Chop half an onion.
Mince two cloves of garlic. Measure out one cup of long grain rice. Get that 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes ready.
Pour out two cups of chicken broth. It's all about getting your ducks in a row, so you can focus on the cooking and less on scrambling for ingredients.
Now, a quick safety reminder: watch that hot oil!
step-by-step: Arroz Rojo Awesomeness
- Heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice. Cook, stirring, until it turns lightly golden brown .
- Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about three minutes, until soft and fragrant. Oh my gosh, it smells incredible already!
- Pulse the diced tomatoes in a blender until smooth ish. Pour it into the saucepan. This is where the Arroz Rojo Recipe magic begins!
- Add the chicken broth, one teaspoon of tomato bouillon, half teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of cumin. Bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 20 minutes . Resist the urge to peek! Seriously, don't do it.
- Take it off the heat. Let it rest, covered, for 5- 10 minutes . Fluff it with a fork.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Rice Game
Want to be a Mexican rice pro? Here's your secret: rinse the rice before cooking. This gets rid of extra starch for extra fluffy rice.
A huge part of this step is the resting time. The Mexican Rice Dish is now ready!.
Don't skip browning the rice. That’s how you get that nutty, delicious flavor. People might make the mistake to stir the rice too much during the simmering.
Avoid this! You know, I once made Easy Mexican Recipes for a potluck, and the rice was a hit . Use this Simple Mexican Rice Recipes to level up the party.
Recipe Notes for Perfect Mexican Rice
So, you want to know how to make mexican rice that's seriously tasty, yeah? Well, get ready 'cause these are my best tips.
Honestly, these are the kinds of things I wish someone had told me when I first started cooking!
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Plate!
Plating is key, folks! Think about colour. A vibrant pile of arroz rojo recipe looks amazing next to some grilled chicken.
Try shaping the rice with a ramekin for a fancy touch. As for sides, Mexican food with rice always needs some friends.
Refried beans and guacamole are my go-tos. A crisp Mexican beer, like a Modelo, also does the trick.
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!
Got leftovers? No worries. This rice keeps well. Once cool, pop it in an airtight container. In the fridge, it's good for about 3-4 days.
Want to freeze it? Go for it! Spread it out on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
This stops it clumping. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and microwave until hot.
Variations: Make it Your Own!
Want to mix things up? Easy peasy. For a vegetarian mexican rice dish , swap chicken broth for veggie broth.
Boom! You can also make it spicy. Add a pinch of chili powder for some heat. If it's summer, corn and zucchini are great seasonal swaps.
This would also make amazing authentic mexican side dishes
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside!
Okay, so this isn't a health food, but it's not bad either. You get carbs from the rice (obviously!), some protein, and a little fat.
This can be easy mexican recipes . The tomatoes add vitamins. Of course, Mexican rice with tomato and garlic is the best.
Just keep an eye on the sodium if you're using store-bought broth or bouillon.
Making simple mexican rice recipes is easier than you think, right? Don’t be scared to experiment. Have fun. And most importantly, enjoy every single bite.
I'm telling you, it makes for the best mexican style dinner ideas , especially a big bowl of fluffy mexican rice recipe .
Get in the kitchen and give it a go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My Mexican rice is always mushy. What am I doing wrong?
Mushy rice is a common problem! The main culprits are usually too much liquid or not rinsing the rice beforehand. Remember to rinse your rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
Also, double check your liquid-to-rice ratio and resist the urge to peek while it's simmering - letting out the steam is a rice cooking no-no!
How can I make Mexican rice that isn't bland? I want some proper flavour!
Flavour is key! Don't be shy with your aromatics. Toasting the rice in oil before adding the onion and garlic is crucial for developing a nutty flavour. Using good quality chicken broth and a touch of tomato bouillon (like Knorr) can also really boost the taste.
And of course, salt to taste it makes a world of difference!
Can I make this ahead of time? How to store leftover Mexican rice?
Absolutely! Mexican rice is great for meal prep. Let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for 3-4 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out nobody wants rice that tastes like cardboard!
I'm vegetarian. Can I still enjoy this recipe? What substitutions can I make to how to make mexican rice vegetarian?
Of course! Making vegetarian Mexican rice is super easy. Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, ensuring a flavourful base. Double check that any tomato bouillon used is also vegetarian. Beyond that, the recipe remains the same - proving that good Mexican food is adaptable for everyone!
What's the best type of rice to use when learning how to make mexican rice?
Long grain white rice is the classic and most reliable choice for Mexican rice. It strikes a good balance between absorbing flavour and maintaining a fluffy texture. Avoid short grain rice, as it tends to become sticky.
Experiment with brown rice once you've nailed the technique with white rice, but be aware it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid.
Is Mexican rice healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Mexican rice can be part of a balanced diet. It provides carbohydrates for energy, and also contains small amounts of protein and fat. Be mindful of the sodium content, especially if using store-bought broth or bouillon.
Consider using low-sodium broth and adjusting the salt to taste, or loading up on veggies in the rest of your meal to boost the overall nutritional value - every little helps!
Arroz Rojo Perfecto Perfect Mexican Red Rice

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 180 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 1g |